Swine flu vaccine wastage ‘substantial’

By IBT Staff Reporter On 05/03/10 AT 12:40 PM

Credit: Damien Larkins (ABC news)

A survey found 42 per cent of swine flu vaccine doses distributed to a number of GPs, end up fast in the bin, with more than 7.5 million of the 19 million doses of the vaccine bought by the federal government at a cost of more than $100 million could be wasted.

According to the analysis of 134 general practices, scientists found about 20,685 doses had to be thrown away as the multi-dose vials supplied were not used up within a specific amount of time.

Researchers said wasteful method of vaccination through the use of multi-dose vials was not practical for the use by GPs.

The findings of the study published in the Medical Journal of Australia, indicated the swine flu vaccination programs had been a monetary and strategic mistake, said flu expert.

The federal government however disputed the findings stating they are only based on a small number of GPs which accounted for a very small portion of the vaccinations.

Based on a survey conducted by NSW Health experts, a total of 49,130 doses were used by 134 GPs, revealing that 20,685 doses - 42 per cent - had gone to waste. And three of 134 practices consumed an average of only one dose from each vial before throwing it in a bin.

Study authors said the wastage was significant and if the same amount of waste took effect across the country, more than 7.5 million of 19 million doses distributed to Australians, could have gone to waste.

Peter Collignon, infectious disease expert said the results of the study showed that when things are done in haste, without an escape clause, that was obviously a monetary and strategic mistake.